Hospice Volunteers Needed

The Hospice program at McDonough District Hospital will be providing hospice volunteer training sessions for anyone interested in providing assistance and support to terminally ill patients and their families.

The first session will be held on Tuesday, February 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Auxiliary Conference Room, located on the lower level of McDonough District Hospital. This informational meeting will provide an overview of hospice care and the role of the volunteer. This session will allow participants to determine if they are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. Participants will be asked to complete an application. Reliable transportation along with a copy of their driver’s license and proof of insurance are needed. Information regarding completion of a background check will be provided.

An additional 10 hours of training is required and will be held on Tuesdays, February 9, 16, and 23, and March 2, and 16 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the hospital.

Hospice provides care for people who realize their illness can not be cured and probably have six months or less to live. Volunteers are an important component of the hospice interdisciplinary team. Every volunteer visit makes a difference. In return for sharing their special talents and compassion, volunteers receive some of the many rewards that come from giving to others.

Hospice volunteers make visits to patients in their home or nursing home, visit with families, assist with work in the Hospice office, participate in special occasion projects for patients, and a number of other activities.

Volunteer orientation is mandatory for anyone interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. However, upon completion of the training participants are not obligated to volunteer.

Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, January 27. For more information or to register, please contact the MDH Hospice at (309) 836-1543.